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Siba Mtongana

The TV chef and food writer, 29, on her favourite restaurants, shark-cage diving and the Tim Noakes diet.

The thing I love most about living in Cape Town is its beauty, the quality of life, and the fact that it’s the food hub of South Africa.

When out-of-towners come to town, I take them for a drive along the Atlantic Seaboard, which really shows off the beauty of the city. If there’s a neighbourhood market or festival on, I’ll take them there, as that’s how they’ll get a real feel of the vibe of the city. And, of course, I take them to our favourite restaurants to showcase our world-class food and service.

My favourite restaurants include the Grand Café in Granger Bay for weekend sundowners; Reuben’s at the One&Only for the pork belly or duck confit; Nobu for Asian tapas; Tuscany Beach in Camps Bay for the steak or the seafood pasta; Willoughbys, of course, for the best sushi in town by far; Wakame for fish and seafood; and the Fat Cactus in Gardens for the comforting vibe and delicious Mexican food.

For sundowners with a view, I head to the Grand Café in Granger Bay, especially on a Sunday afternoon. I don’t take alcohol, so I’ll have a virgin cocktail or their granadilla and mint concoction – I can’t remember what it’s called.

An annual Cape Town event I’ll definitely be seen at is The Good Food and Wine show, if my schedule permits.

The best restaurant for a good curry is the former Passage to India in Tableview, now called The Indian Chapter with Prim Reddy.

I always order the Tandoori chicken; Brian, my husband, usually has the butter chicken, and he inevitably wants to taste what I’m eating. But I tend to be territorial about my food, especially the paratha bread!

The Banting diet (Low Carbs and High Protein) also known as the caveman’s diet is popular in my circles. Call me old-fashioned; I still believe in low GI: not cutting all carbs, but choosing the better-quality ones.

Sunday mornings is church and family time – always with a feast!

My favourite TV series used to be The Fixer, but of late I mostly watch cooking shows, JimJam (the cartoon channel) and the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Oscar Pistorius? It’s better to leave the judging to those qualified to do so.

Straight after this, I’m conceptualising and creating recipes for upcoming projects – The Namibia Food and Wine Festival being one of them.

Food is an expression of “I love you” and tastes even better when shared with loved ones.

The best movie I’ve seen so far this year is The Book Thief, which I watched on the plane to Dubai. It’s so beautifully written, touching and emotional – not for the faint-hearted. I loved that it kept me guessing, it’s not predictable at all.

On my Cape Town bucket list is shark-diving. My husband Brian has been wanting to do it for a while, but I’m still getting my head around it. As long as he’s in the cage with me, I might consider it.

I’m currently working on Season 2 of Siba’s Table, and my first cookbook. I recently learned that Season 1 has been picked up by an American TV network – so exciting!

One day I want to be an ambassador for the UN. I would like to build schools, libraries, hospitals and other infrastructure in South Africa and the rest of Africa, plus other developing countries, and to cover education fees for financially disadvantaged but deserving learners and students. I believe I have been blessed to be a blessing to others!

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39 Responses to “Siba Mtongana”

Zamoh

Hi Siba, I love your show, I said to myself finally we have a south african woman on the show. I watch too much of food network channel since I am a food lover. I’ve watched so many interesting chefs, such as Ina Garten; Guy; Ellie Krieger; Aarti Sequel an many more even chopped. I would like to know if you teach people to cook and bake. I’m very passionate with cooking and baking. I wish, I have your contact details. I am a mother of six kids. I have a big family. I will be delighted if you can E-mail me. I have sharing e-mail with Ellie Krieger. I hope you do not mind. Keep up the good job, God Bless You Dear….

Hilda Mweemba Moonde

I am a Zambian Lady who loves watching you cooking and I love your emphasis on We are a Rainbow Nation and what is important your table, indeed my talented SA keep the light burning, I am so proud of your achievements.

Andrew

Am writing this on behalf of my lovely wife. She loves good food (and so do I!) and she knows her way around the kitchen, fortunately. I have a crazy idea. No, a humble request: feature her in just ONE (1) of your shows PLEASE? By the way, she doesn’t know about this mad scheme I have, so it will come as a lovely surprise. PLEASE?

Ruvimbo

kamo

Hi Siba I am one of your biggest fans n would love to follow in your footsteps but i have no funding for culinary school my name is Keamogetswe age 20 I have a passion for food and I belive that food should be made with love or not at all, I applied for a culinary school and Im accepted but I have no funding please help.

Nonsikelelo Mkhize

Hi Siba I love your show I watch it all the time when i’m home. I love you cause of the way you show that you love what you do . Siba i also what to be a chef like you .So can you help me.I go to Inanda seminary school and for this term we have to interview people and also do the work . so can you help me

Jayashree

Hi Siba.I am living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.I am so blessed to get to watch your show on the Food Network challenge.Its always like coming to a taste of home.I’m a South African.Proud to say that I share the same nationality as you.May God bless you always.Thank you.

Dale F

Siba, I live in the US, and I absolutely adore your show, Siba’s Table. You give Americans a true glimpse of modern African life. You have a beautiful home and a gorgeous family, and your sunny disposition shines. I hope that The Cooking Channel realizes your worth, and that you can develop more shows for your worldwide fanbase.

Kaytee Mojake

Hi Sis Siba, your show is amazeballs! I like to consider myself as a food lover, I’ve tried a couple of your recipes and they’ve turned out just well :D. (Ndenze ezi zilula zine ingredients ezixhaphakileyo of course) keep up the good work! I hope to be on Copped-SA, so you can be the judge of my art.